Transformation · lines 4, 5, and 6

Overflowing becomes Great Achievements

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Mountain settles over Heaven as the fourth, fifth and top lines move, holding the strength inside. With three lines changing, the two judgments stand in balance. Overflowing speaks of pressure that needs to come out through careful words and generosity. The resulting hexagram, 26 Great Achievements, describes a good moment to leave your comfort zone and try new things beyond what you think you can do, since you have the qualities needed. Together they suggest the energy that was building toward a clash can be stored and redirected into something larger. Release the tension wisely, then take on the unusual project, the bigger step, the challenge you've been circling. Draw on what you've learned and the experience of those before you. Bold action is supported now, as long as it rests on real preparation.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 43 Overflowing

    It's a time of excessive buildup: some situations are about to get out of control and overwhelm you, both personally and in your relationships. You need to bring what's happening into the open, but without speaking about it directly; watch your words so you don't provoke reactions. It's a time to act generously to ease the tension that's there.

    It is proclaimed in the king's court. A sincere cry: there is danger. Word comes from one's own city. It is not favorable to take up arms. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.

  2. The judgment of 26 Great Achievements

    It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.

    Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

  3. Line 4 of 43 Overflowing

    You want to push ahead at all costs at a time when it isn't wise, and you refuse to listen to advice. That will lead you into trouble.

    Buttocks without skin; the walk falters. Leading the ram by a rope: regret vanishes. Hears words and does not believe them.

  4. Line 5 of 43 Overflowing

    If you keep your integrity and don't stray from your path, whoever you have to deal with, you'll resolve the difficulties that come up.

    Purslane, pulled up with resolve. Walking the middle way: no fault.

  5. Line 6 of 43 Overflowing

    In a moment of success and achievement you can't relax, because there are people undermining what you've achieved, and they'll lead you to loss.

    No cry. In the end, misfortune.

The trigrams

Below Heaven stays
Above Lake Mountain

The way back

26 Great Achievements → 43 Overflowing
lines 4, 5, and 6

Other transformations of Overflowing

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins